OU, Changchun University of Technology sign educational agreement

The Changchun University of Technology

Recognizing a worldwide need for engineers with broad international experience, Oakland University and Changchun University of Technology (CCUT) in Changchun, Jilin, China, recently entered agreement to create a joint undergraduate program in mechanical engineering.

In the program, students will spend their first two years taking CCUT courses that mirror those taken in the first two years of study at OU. Students will then transfer to Oakland for their last two years to complete degree requirements. Graduates will receive two bachelor of science degrees in mechanical engineering – one from each of the partner universities.

"The School of Engineering and Computer Science is very excited about this opportunity to emphasize the global aspects of engineering," said Oakland University School of Engineering and Computer Science Dean Louay Chamra.

"I believe that OU students will benefit as much as the CCUT students, as they will perform projects and laboratories assignments with international students who will help their global awareness and knowledge."

Other goals of the agreement include increasing the international standing of each university and promoting friendship between China and the U.S. Future plans include expansion of the undergraduate program to include a joint master's of science degree program, as well as enhanced research cooperation between faculty.

Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering Professor Laila Guessous will be the first OU professor to teach at CCUT in the summer of 2013. "I have been deeply impressed by the dedication of the CCUT faculty and administration to make this program a success," she said. "I am sure I will learn as much from the CCUT professors as they learn from me."

Initial demand for the program by CCUT students has been high. For the fall 2012 semester, 135 students have enrolled.

For more information on the program, contact Professor of Mechanical Engineering Gary Barber at (248) 370-2184 or barber@oakland.edu, or Professor of Mechanical Engineering Lian Yang at (248) 370-2283 or yang2@oakland.edu.